College old boy captains frigate

2008-01-25 00:00

Mthobisi Makhathini

A MARITZBURG College old boy has been appointed to command one of the most sophisticated warships in the world, the SAS Spioenkop.

Captain Christopher George Manig (41), who matriculated from College in 1984, will reach the pinnacle of his Naval career when he takes command of SAS Spioenkop, the third of the South African Navy’s four new frigates.

Captain Manig, a married father of two daughters, told The Witness that this is basically the highlight of any combat officer’s career. “This represents the Navy’s front-line combatant capability and it was within my career development plans and I’m glad I got this far.”

Manig, whose parents still live in Pietermaritzburg, said he has spent most of his career on strike craft.

He reached significant milestones on these vessels in that he was appointed Officer Commanding of both SAS Rene Sethren and SAS Makhanda.

Captain Manig’s experience on the new frigates stems from being appointed as executive officer (second in command) of SAS Isandhlwana in 2002 and being part of the delivery crew two years later. He served as executive officer until May 2006.

“From there I did a stint as surface warfare officer in Fleet Command and was appointed Officer Commanding of the Maritime Reaction Squadron from March 2007 to date,” he said.

Manig will be taking command from Captain Douglas Faure, one of the Navy’s most experienced senior officers, who has been in command of the ship since 2002.

“I’m very appreciative of the solid schooling at Maritzburg College and I would like to thank my parents Neil and Mary and also my sister Felicity, who all live in Pelham, for all the support they have given me throughout my career,” he said.

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